This marinade for pork chops is a game changer! With tasty ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, it packs a flavorful punch that makes the pork juicy and tender.
I love how simple it is—just mix, marinate, and grill! Perfect for weeknight dinners or BBQs. Trust me, your friends will think you’re a cooking superstar with this one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops provide more flavor, but boneless ones are easier to cook. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could also use chicken breasts instead.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap it with avocado oil or even sesame oil for a unique twist.
Soy Sauce: It brings a savory depth to the marinade. For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari instead of regular soy sauce. You could also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can work as substitutes. Just adjust the amount if you want to control the tartness.
Brown Sugar: This helps balance the acidity and adds sweetness. If you want a lower sugar option, try maple syrup or honey. You could also use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
How Do You Marinate Pork Chops for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to making your pork chops flavorful and tender. Here are some simple tips to get the best results:
- Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined, ensuring everything is incorporated.
- Place the pork chops in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best! This gives the flavors time to seep into the meat.
Don’t forget to let the excess marinade drip off before grilling to get that nice sear without too much liquid. Enjoy juicy and flavorful pork chops!
The Best Pork Chop Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours (or ideally overnight) for marinating. You’ll spend about 15 minutes grilling the pork chops. In total, you can expect around 2 hours and 25 minutes from start to finish, mainly due to the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a bowl and whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is well combined. This will create a flavorful marinade for the pork chops.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure they’re well coated on all sides. It’s important to let the flavors soak in, so you can seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but leaving it overnight will give you the best flavor!
3. Grill the Chops:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (don’t forget to toss out the leftover marinade!). Grill the pork chops for about 4-6 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will make them juicy and delicious!
4. Let Them Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your deliciously marinated pork chops!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork Chops?
Absolutely! You can use this marinade for chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to marinate them for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, for the best flavor. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice. Both alternatives will provide the acidity needed to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavors. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
To store leftovers, let the pork chops cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chops for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marinade Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use a store-bought marinade if you’re short on time! Just choose one that complements pork, and marinate the chops according to the package instructions, typically for 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the pork chops.
